Hilly Holiday Half Marathon

I started my race day like usual – PB&J on toast a cinnamon roll. I wish I had a Cinnabon. Actually, I bet if I had a Cinnabon I would have PR-ed. I’d like to test that theory…

Since I’m trying to do this new thing where I’m social with other people besides my dog I invited myself to drive to the race with Margot and Sarah. Margot drove, Sarah provided the dope tunes, I told jokes that would make a sailor blush took blurry pictures.

Last night I checked the course map for the Ho-Ho-Holiday Half Marathon. I found something that said it was hilly. But, Sarah insisted it was not and I wanted to believe her, so I did. Turns out – she’s a liar.

Or in denial. Either way it wasn’t good.

The race was held at the Fairplex in Pomona. I thought the fair was still going on and was hoping to end the day with a stick of fried butter (<- yes I’ve eaten one).

We got our bibs/loot and put our stuff back in the car. I switched out my sweatshirt for a trash bag all classy like. I need a bigger bag next time though! Damn vanity sizing…

Pre-race we’re all smiles because we’ve let ourselves believe Sarah’s lie that this will be a flat race.

I’d call this race hilly, but I prefer down hill races (or sitting on the couch) so I’m a bad judge. But, I pulled it together and finished strong!

My goal was to maintain even splits, but it wasn’t super easy to do on this course (plus I started out too fast again). But here they are for my own reference:

13.11 – 1:48:09 – Average pace 8:15

Mile 1: 8:14

Mile 2: 8:18

Mile 3: 8:04

Mile 4:8:08

Mile 5: 8:16

Mile 6: 8:22

Mile 7: 8:21

Mile 8: 8:22

Mile 9: 8:21

Mile 10: 8:21

Mile 11: 8:35

Mile 12: 8:16

Mile 13: 7:42 (!)

*I am proud of myself for staying more consistent than normal. My LB times went from 8:09 to 10:19 minute miles!! So, this is progress.

This isn’t a PR, but I learned a few things in this race and that was my goal I’m still not good at pacing, but the more I run the more I realize the important of pacing, fueling and not going out too fast.

Post race: We’re smiling because I finally took off my Santa hat and plastic bag and look like a normal member of society. Kinda.

I got the Feta and Egg White wrap and it was good and salty just like I like it.

One the way home I stopped to meet up with Ben and some friends who were having lunch. And had a little snack post shower.

Now I have a few errands to run and boot camp to get ready for (!!!). See ya later

Nice work, Monica! Sounds like you’re really trying to learn from your races and improve (which is awesome, because I kind of just run…sometimes I wish I was more mindful!). Looked fun too – way to rock it!

Two races within a week of each other is very hard to train for because you can’t predict how much rest you’ll need. But, I didn’t really train for either of these and just tried to take it easier this week.

Just clicked on the fried butter link – what the heck is that deep fried potato thing that claims to be Australian? I have never seen anything even remotely resembling that here! I think they were playing games with people!

You run so fast! It shows how much work you have put into running; very inspiring. Personally, I’ve found I can’t run for long distances because I get burnt out physically and mentally (my knees sometimes hurt the day after a run if I ran for 45 minutes or more), but it’s awesome that you’ve been so successful with it.

I ran a 1/2 yesterday too! The Tucson 1/2 was fun, and mostly downhill- but there were no many people wearing santa hats! I know what yo umean about relaly thinking about signing up for races before you jump in. I signed up for this one in June, and it was actually a crazy time of year to take off from work and travel…

Great work!!! I know it’s not a PR, but damn girl, way to finish strong! I always start out too fast, so I feel your pain. I’m trying to get better about that (and am thinking my new Garmin 405CX will help). Oh, and feta/eggwhites? Amazeballs.

A holiday half sounds awesome! I tried to wear light up antlers for my 5K, but I just couldn’t do it – I could feel the wind hitting them.
Your pacing looks a ton better than mine, even on a 5K I’m all over the place. Are there people that can really run their miles less than 15s apart? I’d LOVE tips on how to do that. On my first half I got progressively slower and ended up averaging 15 seconds slower than my training runs :/ Running sure keeps ya thinking!

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical advice. I am a certified running coach, but am sharing my own training - not providing a program for you. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your diet or exercise. Affiliates: Please note that affiliate links and sponsored posts may pop up on RER from time to time. I greatly appreciate your support! More »